Scott Williams swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams The commercial and residential building at 101 E. Green Bay St. in Bonduel is nearly vacant and needs repairs to avoid possible demolition by the village.
Bonduel Village Board members got an update Wednesday on a deteriorated downtown commercial and residential building that needs repairs or could face demolition.
Village officials are considering taking action to force property owner Keith Block to fix up his property at 101 E. Green Bay St. The nearly vacant structure in the center of Bonduel’s main business district has fallen into disrepair and could also be a structural hazard.
Village Board members took no further action on the issue Wednesday, but they received a detailed report on the building’s condition.
Trustee Robert Luepke questioned whether the two-story structure was safe for people to occupy.
“We could shut him down completely,” Luepke said, referring to the landlord.
Block, who also owns the Wisconsin House Inn in Shawano, did not attend Wednesday’s meeting, but has said recently he is willing to make repairs necessary to salvage the Bonduel property.
The building has housed an ice cream shop, a sporting goods store and other attractions over the years. But the storefronts are now vacant, and most apartments are unoccupied, too.
Police Chief Todd Chaney told trustees Wednesday that part of the masonry structure has “collapsed,” causing water to leak inside and create moldy conditions. Chaney said the apartments are “full of mold” and represent a potential health hazard.
Chaney said he had arranged for an inspector to examine the property this week, but he said Block canceled at the last minute because of obligations related to his hotel property in Shawano. The police chief said he hopes to reschedule the inspection soon.
The Bonduel fire chief also is planning to inspect the property later this month.
Village officials have discussed giving Block a deadline to restore the deteriorated building with the ultimatum that the village otherwise would demolish it.
Village President Sharon Wussow said she believes the structural problems and related water leaks have existed since at least May of this year. She questioned why Block is only now taking steps to fix the problem.
“It should’ve been addressed way before now,” she said.